Next on the repair list? Hapless sack attack

DAVID HAUGHCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Now that the Bears' run defense looks repaired, at least for the time being, they can focus on the unit's other glaring weakness--seven sacks in eight games. Rookie defensive end Michael Haynes was drafted in the first round and pass-rush specialist Richard Dent was added to the coaching staff with the intent of increasing pass pressure. But so far that hasn't happened. Haynes has one sack and Brian Urlacher and Alex Brown lead the team with 1.5 apiece.

As good as the Bears' cornerbacks have begun to play, that might mean an even heavier reliance on blitzing. "It's critical that we get more pressure on the passer, however we do it," coach Dick Jauron said. . . .

In fairness, the Bears haven't had as much opportunity to rush the passer as some teams. Opponents have recognized the Bears' weakness against the ground game and run the ball 48 percent of the time through eight games, a relatively high ratio. . . .

As expected, the Bears placed offensive tackle Marc Colombo on injured reserve. Colombo was the projected starter at right tackle but never got on the field because of complications stemming from a left knee injury last Nov. 18. He started the season on the physically unable to perform list. . . .

The Bears adjusted their practice squad by releasing linebacker Chris Demaree and signing wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel. Fryzel, an undrafted free agent out of Central Florida, spent training camp with the Dolphins and then two weeks on the Falcons' practice squad before getting released Sept. 23. . . .

Jauron had no reaction, at least publicly, to the Lions' surprising 23-13 victory Sunday over the reeling Raiders. "I wanted to see the tape, what they changed, how they changed, but I didn't have any other thoughts about it," Jauron said. "It doesn't affect us one way or another." Typically, he had no strong feelings about playing the same team twice in three weeks. "They know us a little better, we know them a little better, they've just broken us down three games. I don't think it's awkward," Jauron said. "Would I choose to do it? I haven't thought about that. It doesn't bother me one way or another. As long as it's not preseason and regular season [back-to-back]." . . . The Bears lead the league in fourth-down conversions with 7-of-8 successful attempts, including two on Sunday against the Chargers. . . . Wide receiver Justin Gage started the game against the Chargers as the Bears opened in a three-receiver set. Gage became the fifth Bears rookie to start a game this season. . . .

Despite missing two games with an injured foot, Anthony Thomas has 508 yards on 103 carries. At midseason last year, Thomas had 495 yards on 161 carries playing in all eight games. . . .

Jerry Azumah and Charles Tillman each intercepted a pass Sunday to mark the first time both Bears starting cornerbacks had an interception in the same game since Dec. 13, 1998, when Walt Harris and Terry Cousin pulled it off. . . . Punter Brad Maynard needs only 64 yards Sunday to surpass the 25,000-yard mark in his seven-year career. . . .

Lions cornerback Dre Bly is tied for third in the NFC with four interceptions but missed last Sunday's game with a sore hamstring. Veteran free agent Doug Evans, signed last Friday, replaced him in the Lions' weak secondary and forced a fumble.